Big day for Japanese footie, with J2 automatic and playoff promotion spots to be decided, and well as the J3 title contested between two clubs level on points as of the final matchday.

Briobecca Urayasu and ReinMeer Aomori promoted from the regional leagues (level 5) to the Japan Football League (level 4) after winning the playoffs. Possible that a third club could go up if the JFL opts to relegate bottom-feeders Tochigi Uva—if so, that would be either Saurcos Fukui or FC Kariya. Fukui is a dinosaur-themed club.

Sanfrecce Hiroshima captured the J-League title for the third time in four years after defeating Gamba Osaka 4-3 on aggregate in a two-legged final on Saturday.

Hiroshima, who won a league record 74 points over the two-stage season, drew 1-1 in Saturday's home leg before a crowd of more than 36,000, a result good enough to hand them the championship plate following their 3-2 victory in Osaka on Wednesday.

That would be a major coup for the Kyushu based club who have been caretaking since parting with Korean Yoon Jong-Hwan last year under mysterious circumstances. There are rumours though that Magath might jump ship as Tosu isn't going to help him complete the set of having managed at every club in Germany. For example, the job at Hannover is likely to open up quite soon.